Signs You Need a Behavioural Optometrist

Understanding the Broader Concept of Vision Beyond Basic Sight

While many individuals typically associate an optometrist with providing prescriptions for glasses or offering relief for dry, tired eyes, it is crucial to understand that not all visual issues stem from blurry vision. In fact, there are instances when the eyes may appear completely healthy, yet individuals experience challenges such as difficulties with reading, stagnation in learning progress, or a noticeable decline in concentration as the day progresses. Recognising these subtler signs can be pivotal in addressing underlying vision problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.

At Eyes By Design, we specialise in behavioural optometry, which represents an advanced clinical approach that transcends the mere ability to see clearly. Our focus is on how the entire visual system contributes to learning performance and everyday life activities. This approach acknowledges that vision is not a fixed state but rather a dynamic interaction involving the eyes, the brain, and the body, which works together to facilitate a seamless visual experience.

Exploring the Principles and Benefits of Behavioural Optometry

Behavioural optometry, often referred to as functional or developmental optometry, is rooted in the understanding that clear vision is merely the beginning of a comprehensive visual experience. For vision to fully serve individuals, their eyes must perform efficiently, track accurately, transition focus seamlessly, and relay information to the brain in a manner that supports movement, posture, memory, and learning.

This multifaceted approach includes the following key aspects:

• Effortless tracking across pages and screens
• Rapid and reliable focusing at varying distances
• Effective coordination between both eyes
• Enhanced spatial awareness and body control
• Accurate visual processing in real-time scenarios

A behavioural optometrist conducts thorough evaluations of these interconnected systems. The primary objective is to ascertain not only if you can see clearly but also whether your visual system is functioning optimally to benefit your daily activities and interactions.

Identifying Key Signs That Visual Challenges May Be Impacting Your Life

1. Your Child Exhibits Difficulty with Reading Despite Being Articulate and Bright
A child who is intelligent and expressive but struggles with reading may not necessarily have a learning disability. Instead, they could be dealing with visual dysfunction. Signs such as skipping lines, using a finger to track text, or reporting that words seem to blur or change position warrant further investigation. We meticulously assess how the eyes function during sustained near tasks like reading, where minor inefficiencies often escape detection during routine testing.

2. Experiencing Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain After Prolonged Screen Time
Many individuals dismiss digital eye strain as a normal occurrence; however, symptoms including pressure behind the eyes, headaches by the end of the day, or difficulties in focusing may indicate a breakdown in visual coordination. Through behavioural assessments, we can identify whether the muscles responsible for eye alignment and focus are being strained under the demands of screen-based activities.

3. Displaying Poor Coordination, Clumsiness, or Hesitance to Participate in Sports
Vision is integral to movement and coordination. If a child seems to avoid ball sports, struggles to catch objects, or has issues maintaining balance, these behaviours may be linked to how their brain interprets visual-spatial cues. Such patterns often reflect challenges in visual-motor integration rather than a lack of athletic ability.

4. A Verbally Expressive Child Who Struggles with Written Work
Many children who are naturally curious and verbally adept may underperform academically because they are overexerting their eyes to track and process written content. Behaviours such as fidgeting, daydreaming, slow task completion, or resistance to reading may stem from unrecognised functional vision issues, rather than disinterest or defiance.

5. Persistent Issues Despite the Use of Glasses
Some patients experience ongoing challenges even after multiple adjustments to their prescription glasses. They may find it difficult to relax their eyes, encounter depth perception issues, or never feel visually settled. This often indicates problems with eye teaming or neurological processing rather than simple refractive errors.

What to Expect During a Comprehensive Behavioural Optometry Assessment

At Eyes By Design, we adopt a detailed, methodical, and highly tailored approach to our assessments. We thoroughly examine how your eyes move, work in unison, and respond to varying demands. Our key focus areas include:

• Control of eye movements
• Flexibility and stamina in focusing
• Alignment and teaming of the eyes
• Visual memory and cognitive load management
• Coordination and spatial reasoning capabilities

Based on our findings, we develop a personalised plan that may involve therapeutic lenses, vision therapy, or practical adjustments within your environment, whether at school or in the workplace, ensuring a tailored approach to enhancing your visual experience and overall functionality.

Understanding How Vision Can Affect Daily Life and Learning

If you or your child are encountering daily challenges that cannot be explained through standard eye examinations, a behavioural optometry assessment may unveil the root causes of these frustrations. This process goes beyond merely achieving clearer vision; it encompasses the quest for more comfortable seeing, increased confidence in movement, and enhanced learning efficiency.

At Eyes By Design in Kincumber, we are dedicated to assisting individuals in realising the full potential of their vision through comprehensive behavioural care. Our holistic approach aims to address the multifaceted nature of vision and its impact on life quality.